Georgia Bulletin

The Newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta

Marietta

Holy Spirit Preparatory Wins Home Opener

Published September 13, 2007

Holy Spirit Preparatory School, Atlanta, marked its first home game of the 2007 season with a 20-6 victory over Griffin Christian Academy Sept. 7 at the Life University field, Marietta.

Holy Spirit jumped out to a 6-0 lead on a one-yard plunge by senior running back Joe Maranville, who had 15 carries for 77 yards. In the second quarter Holy Spirit dialed up a reverse play to Nigel Deen that went for a 53-yard touchdown. The extra point was no good, and they went up 12-0, a lead they also held at halftime.

The Holy Spirit defense was able to shut the Griffin Christian offense out for over two and half quarters, but with 3:42 left in the third quarter Griffin Christian put its first points on the board with a touchdown pass from quarterback Christian Lawver to Kevin Abercombie, making the score 12-6. The extra point attempt was no good. On the ensuing kickoff Griffin Christian recovered the onside kick, but the Holy Spirit defense held their opponents scoreless for the remainder of the quarter.

In the fourth quarter Holy Spirit added a final touchdown when quarterback Curtis Johnson threw a pass over the middle to Michael Lindenau, who had six catches for 86 yards. Lindenau’s younger brother Adam also provided 62 rushing yards on nine carries.

Holy Spirit improved to 1-1 after losing its season opener on the road to Gatewood School, Eatonton. They will host Terrell Academy, Dawson, on Friday, Sept. 14.

Marist School, Atlanta, suffered a 30-0 loss at the hands of Tucker High School during their Sept. 8 game at Hallford Stadium, Clarkston—one of their worst defeats in recent memory. Tucker’s high-powered offense and Marist turnovers did the War Eagles in last week. There can be one thing worse than facing Coach Alan Chadwick at practice this week, and that is being their next opponent at home Sept. 14, Washington High School. Marist (1-1) is not likely to be embarrassed two weeks in a row.

St. Pius X High School, Atlanta, remains undefeated after following up their home opener’s 55-0 victory over North Springs High School with a 43-7 road win over Stone Mountain High School. On offense, sophomore running back Cole Moon provided 158 of the team’s 289 rushing yards on 16 carries, while junior tailback Jonathan Carter chipped in 67 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Sophomore linebacker Robert Lucisano had 14 tackles, including two sacks, to lead the defense. St. Pius (2-0) returns home to take on Columbia High School (1-1) Sept. 14.

Pinecrest Academy, Cumming, lost their home opener to Flint River Academy of Woodbury 49-29. Flint River Academy came into the game with a 40 consecutive regular season game-winning streak. Pinecrest kept the game close the first two quarters and took a 15-14 lead into halftime. Pinecrest remained undaunted for most of the third quarter. Senior quarterback Michael Metz threw for one touchdown and ran for another in the second half, but Flint River Academy never relinquished the lead after going up 36-22. Pinecrest (1-1) travels to Chula Sept. 14, where they will play Tiftarea Academy.

Blessed Trinity High School, Roswell, and Our Lady of Mercy High School, Fairburn, were idle last week. The two schools play at home on Sept. 14 against Therrell High School, Atlanta, and Athens Christian School, Athens, respectively.